HCM CITY — There is enormous potential for investment and trade between South African and Việt Nam, according to political counselor at the South African Embassy in Hà Nội, Mat Matiwane.

Speaking at a seminar on trade, investment and tourism promotion by South Africa in HCM City on Friday, he said the two countries have something to offer each other.

“South Africa is a major exporter of mineral-based commodities, which could assist Việt Nam in its expanding industrialisation.”

Strong growth in domestic consumption fuelled by increasing income levels in both nations is creating demand for their respective products, he said.

“Infrastructure development that took place in Southern Africa has also resulted in joint ventures between service providers such as Việt Nam’s Viettel in our neighbouring country.”

Nguyễn Thế Hưng, deputy director of the Việt Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s HCM City office, said trade between Việt Nam and South Africa has increased significantly.

It was worth US$924.5 million in the first 11 months of last year, with Việt Nam’s exports accounting for over $704 million, he said.

“As of November last year South African firms had invested $1.22 million in seven projects in Việt Nam while Vietnamese firms had invested $1.6 billionin two projects in South Africa.

"Despite the great strides in bilateral trade and investment relations, trade between Việt Nam and South Africa remains largely untapped.”

In addition, South Africa, with its many spectacular sights and cool weather around the year, remains an unexplored destination for Vietnamese tourists, he said.

Matiwane said: “It seems there is a lack of information on both sides about each other’s business opportunities as well as social and cultural environments. One cannot seize an opportunity if one does not know that it exists.”

Some attendees pointed out that the difference in payment methods -- with South African firms wanting payment in advance while Vietnamese companies prefer letters of credit -- is another obstruction to trade.

Matiwane listed areas in which the two sides could enhance co-operation, like aquaculture, shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, metals, mining, furniture, agribusiness, garment and textile, and footwear.

There is huge potential for export of Vietnamese agricultural products to his country, especially fruits it does not have, he said.

South Africa boasts stable economic growth, an abundance of natural resources and modern infrastructure, and offers investment incentives, and could also act as a gateway for Vietnamese products to the rest of the continent, he added.

He also encouraged investors and trade partners to “take a long-term view to co-operation” to ensure that their investment in trade with South Africa is sustainable and profitable.